Arthur Phillips
Arthur Phillips, 68, was held at the State Correctional Institution at Graterford in Pennsylvania, and his wife, daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren were deeply affected by his death, his defense attorney said. Prison staff found him unresponsive in his cell on January 28, 2018, and he was pronounced dead that afternoon, according to Superintendent Cynthia Link. State police said he died by suicide, though unconfirmed reports said he had been found hanging, and the Montgomery County coroner had not yet determined the cause of death. A federal lawsuit filed by attorney Bill Davis on behalf of the family says he had major depressive disorder, did not receive his previously prescribed psychiatric medications, and was held in general population without special monitoring.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (neglect alleged). State police said it was a suicide, and the family's federal lawsuit also describes a suicide, but says Phillips did not receive his prescribed psychiatric medications and was kept in general population without special monitoring.
Reported by: Pennsylvania State Police spokesman (outside investigators); family's federal lawsuit filed by attorney Bill Davis (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His family filed a federal lawsuit, brought by attorney Bill Davis, alleging that Graterford staff failed to provide his prescribed psychiatric medication and to monitor him; no settlement or award amount was reported.
Sources (5)
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